Breeding

[Indianrunner123]

I have 3 Indian runner ducks that I hatched last year and 4 weeks ago I got 2 drakes which are both Indian runners however one of them has a crested head gene.

They have been together for 4 weeks now and are doing just fine. The ducks are also laying, however not consistently. I could get either get 1 or 3 eggs everyday.

I want to ensure that I can get Indian runner ducklings however I also want crested ducklings also so I have separated the drakes this week. My plan is that the crested drake stays with the ducks this week and then maybe next week I'll take him out and put in the Indian runner drake. Is this ok?

My problem is that I have never seen either of the drakes breeding and the crested drake hasn't been breeding this week either. (I put him in on Sat) He just sits and drinks water. He also doesn't wash himself but I'm wondering if this is because the other drake used to bully him away from the water.

I'm wondering if the weather is maybe causing problems as there have been warm spring like days and then cold winter days.

If anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Isaac 0]

What is your setup??Do they have access to water all day?It looks like the one second from the right has wet feather.

 

[Indianrunner123]

They're in a house all night with layers pellets and then let out in the morning where they have access to a field and a water trough all day. This picture was taken the night I got the drakes. They were in the pool before I put them in for the night. The one you pointed out is the crested gene drake. Thanks

 

[Miss Lydia]

How old are the drakes and are the girls bowing and head bobbing at them?

 

[Indianrunner123]

I've never heard of wet feather but I think that might be what he has. When he came to me he looked like hed never seen water and he's always been really scruffy. Also he never goes into the water but just drinks by the side. What could I do for this? Many thanks

 

[Indianrunner123]

How old are the drakes and are the girls bowing and head bobbing at them?

I have no idea what age the drakes are...I think they might be 1 or 2 years. The ducks don't seem to be doing any if that. Thanks

 

[Miss Lydia]

What are your temps?

 

[DuckyDonna]

I've never heard of wet feather but I think that might be what he has. When he came to me he looked like hed never seen water and he's always been really scruffy. Also he never goes into the water but just drinks by the side. What could I do for this? Many thanks

I have a little chocolate runner drake who is 4 months old that did the same thing until last Sunday. All 6 girls would be in the pool mounting each other and acting crazy and he'd just stand by the side of the pool watching and drinking water. Maybe he's really young, shy, and hasn't figured things out yet? My little Sambo has gained lots of confidence since he became a "man" on Sunday!

 

[Isaac 0]

I've never heard of wet feather but I think that might be what he has. When he came to me he looked like hed never seen water and he's always been really scruffy. Also he never goes into the water but just drinks by the side. What could I do for this? Many thanks

Ducks that have wet feather will avoid it because they will get cold as there protective coating on there feathers is broken.These links might be helpful

https://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2016/02/treating-and-preventing-wet-feather-in.html

https://poultrykeeper.com/external-problems/wet-feather/

 

[Indianrunner123]

What are your temps?

Around 8 - 12 Celsius during the day and then -1 at night